Sole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe

ABSTRACT

A sole ( 10 ) for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, having a predetermined ball line ( 37 ) extending from an inner ball point to an outer ball point, and a ball rocker ( 38 ), wherein the ball rocker ( 38 ) is displaced rearwards towards a heel end ( 26 ) in relation to the ball line ( 37 ) by an average ball rocker spacing ( 41 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to German Patent Application Number 10 2011 051 444.9 filed Jun. 29, 2011 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The invention concerns a sole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, according to Claim 1, and a shoe, in particular a running shoe.

Running shoes, which are adapted to the particular requirements of a runner, are known from the prior art, whereby, by way of example, reference is made to DE 20 2005 013 798 U1. With running shoes of this type, the ball of the foot is disposed centrally above a rocker or tipping line of a lower surface of the sole (ball rocker). The rocker or tipping line determines the point in time at which the heel of the runner is lifted. On the whole, the running shoes referred to in the prior art are generally found to be unsatisfactory from an ergonomic perspective.

SUMMARY

It is therefore the objective of the present invention to propose a sole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, or respectively, a shoe, in particular a running shoe, which results in improved ergonomics when running.

In particular, the objective is attained by means of a sole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, having a predetermined ball line, extending from an inner ball point to an outer ball point, and having a ball rocker, wherein the ball rocker is displaced with respect to the ball line towards the back, in the direction of the heel.

A core idea of the invention is that the rocker or tipping line is displaced rearwards with respect to the balls of the feet. This has the result that the shoe rocks prior to the balls when running. This reduces the rocker resistance, thereby improving the ergonomics. The ball line establishes the ball position and is an imaginary line between the balls of the large and small toes (or, respectively, between an inner and outer ball). The ball line is therefore established based on predetermined proportions of an individual foot, or an average foot on which the shoe is based, respectively. Each shoe therefore has a clearly defined ball line, which can be determined using conventional measuring systems. As an example, the ball line can subdivide a shoe length into 37% forefoot length, and 63% rear foot length.

According to an independent aspect, the above objective is attained by means of a sole for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, comprising a tarsal zone and a metatarsal zone, wherein the tarsal zone is designed to be softer, on the average, at an inner tarsal zone rand section than at an outer tarsal zone rand section and/or wherein the metatarsal zone is designed to be harder, on the average, at an inner metatarsal zone rand section than at an outer metatarsal zone rand section. In this case, and in the following, the terms “inner” and “outer” mean that the element referred to is opposite that in the respective other shoe when referring to a pair of shoes. Accordingly, “outer” or “outermost” means that the element referred to is further away from the same element in the other shoe when referring to a pair of shoes. “Hard” is to be understood as the mechanical resistance, as the material of the one rand section establishes a frame of reference from the substance of the other rand section. The hardness can be measured, for example, according to the Mohs, Martens, or Brinell scales.

According to a more general idea, the inner tarsal zone rand section may be designed such that it produces a lower resistance on the average when the foot lands than the outer tarsal zone rand section. Likewise, the inner metatarsal zone rand section may be designed such that on the average is produces a greater resistance than the outer metatarsal zone rand section. This can be accomplished, for example, by means of a different curvature or tread, in particular the depth of the tread as well.

In any case, by means of an adjustment of this type of the mechanical resistance of the running sole, a particularly ergonomic running can be made possible. In particular, the course of the resistance of the sole follows the natural S-shaped rocker line of the human. In doing so, a first contact to the ground is made with a slightly supinated heel. When the entire foot is in contact with the ground, the main load is shifted increasingly towards the joint of the big toe, before the next step is initiated by means of the big toe. In general, therefore, the hardness of the tread, and the depth of the tread is ergonomically adjusted to different demands.

Particularly in combination with the rearward displaced ball rocker, an efficient and energy saving running is enabled in a synergistic manner. It enables a natural rocking procedure with a stable landing on the heel and rolling over the forefoot. Moreover, up and downhill running as well as standing facilitated. Overall, fewer signs of fatigue in the feet are to be expected. The result is that the motion sequence is improved on the whole, and a healthy gait pattern can be obtained.

The ball rocker spacing can be a minimum of 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, and more preferably, at least 5 mm, or at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1%, more preferably at least 1.5% of the length of a sole. A ball rocker spacing of approximately 5 mm has been shown to be particularly suitable. The ball rocker spacing can be a maximum of 10 mm, preferably at most 7 mm, or at most 2.5%, preferably at most 1.7% of the length of a sole (measured along the longitudinal central axis).

The ball rocker can (at least in sections) run along a predetermined, diagonal angle with respect to a longitudinal central axis, in particular along the course of the balls of the foot. In this manner, the ergonomics can be further improved for running.

In preferred embodiments, the sole has an upwards arch of a forefoot region and/or a raised toe vault of at least 10 mm, for example, preferably at least 15 mm. In acting in concert with, in particular, the rearwards displaced ball rocker, a particularly energy efficient running can be made possible.

In a concrete embodiment, a midsole is provided, in particular made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or polyurethane (PU). A ball rocker in the midsole can also be disposed at a predetermined midsole-ball rocker spacing behind the ball line. The midsole ball rocker spacing can correspond to the ball rocker spacing of the entire sole, or be defined by this, respectively. By means of a measure of this sort, the step division is further improved and the rolling of the foot is facilitated. The cushioning material of the midsole, in particular EVA or PU, may be harder or softer, depending on where it is being deployed.

Preferably, the sole comprises a pronation support in the arch of the foot. This pronation support can also be made of a harder material (in particular in comparison with the midsole) such as EVA or PU, and with respect to its shape and hardness, be designed such that it stabilizes the arch of the foot. In this manner, the standing stability and traction during running is improved.

In a concrete embodiment, the sole has a forefoot cushioning element. A degree of hardness of the forefoot cushioning element can be adjusted such that the stride execution flows, and is not interrupted. The forefoot cushioning element can be obtained in terms of its shape and nature such that it is adapted to the anatomy of the foot, or the natural gait behavior, respectively, thereby relieving pressure points. The forefoot cushioning element is also preferably made of a harder material than the midsole, or the other components of the midsole.

Furthermore, at least one heel cushioning element may be provided in the heel region, the material of which (e.g. EVA or PU) is also designed to be harder than the material of the midsole. A torsion stabilizer may also be provided (likewise preferably made of a harder material than that of the midsole). The torsion stabilizer is provided in a metatarsal zone and serves as a metatarsal bridge and increases the stability of the torsional motion (therefore preventing a twisting along the axis from the forefoot to the heel during the rocking motion). The heel cushioning element (heel wedge) may be designed such that it absorbs the impact of the landing and initiates the rocking motion. As a result, the joints are optimally protected and the rocking motion is optimized. On the whole, forefoot cushioning elements, heel cushioning elements and torsion stabilizers further improve the ergonomics while running.

Preferably, the sole comprises a heel bevel in which one of the border lines of the bevel lying closer to the forefoot region is displaced rearwards at its inner end (as opposed to the outer end).

The objective specified above shall be independently attained by means of a shoe, in particular a running shoe, comprising a sole of the type described above.

Further embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims.

In the following, the invention shall be described based on embodiment examples, also with respect to further characteristics and advantages, which shall be explained in greater detail using the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A sole for a running shoe in an exploded view, including a last for the production of the sole; and

FIG. 2 A sole for a running shoe in a view from below (in a partially exploded depiction).

In the following description, the same reference symbols shall be used for identical and identically functioning parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a sole 10 for a running shoe in an exploded view, and a last 11 for the production of said sole. The last 11 comprises a rearwards displaced last ball rocker 12 and is distinguished by an arch 13 and a comparably high toe vault 14 of at least 10 mm, for example. The last ball rocker 12 defines (at least in part) the ball rocker 38 of the sole 10 during production (see FIG. 2 as well). The ball rocker of the sole 10 is located approximately 5 mm behind the natural ball position after production.

The sole 10 comprises an insole 15, a midsole 16, a torsion stabilizer 17, a heel wedge 18 (heel cushioning) and a running sole 19 (with a tread). The hardness and flexibility of the shoe can be adjusted at least in part via the insole 15, and in this manner, can define the field of use of the shoe. For this a strobel lasted embodiment having a comparably soft (textile) insole can provide a high degree of flexibility. In an alternative, the insole can also be glued. A hard insole improves stability when running.

A forefoot cushioning 20 and a pronation support 21 is integrated in the midsole 16. Both the forefoot cushioning 20 as well as the pronation support 21 are made of a material that is harder than the remaining components of the midsole 16. A midsole ball rocker 22 is also displaced rearwards, in order to facilitate the rolling of the foot. The midsole ball rocker is defined by a lower peak line of the midsole.

The pronation support 21 is disposed in the region of the arch of the foot 23 on an inner rand 24 of the midsole 16, and provides a moderate control over pronation or stabilization of the arch of the foot. In the present embodiment example, the pronation support 21 is disposed between a longitudinal central axis 40 and the inner rand 24 of the midsole 16. The forefoot cushioning 20 is disposed in a forefoot region 25 of the midsole 16, and designed to be somewhat kidney shaped, in order to relieve the pressure points.

The sole 10 shall be subdivided in the following in two different ways: firstly, the forefoot region 25 and a rear foot region 42. These two regions are separated by the ball line. Secondly, the anatomy shall be subdivided into the tarsal zone 28, the metatarsal zone 29 and the toe zone 30. The ball line 37 is located within the metatarsal zone 29.

The midsole 16 is disposed beneath the insole 15 in the shoe. The torsion stabilizer 17 and the heel wedge 18 (heel cushioning) are disposed beneath the midsole 16. The heel wedge can absorb the impact of the stride, and initiate the rocking motion, such that the joints are better protected and the rocking motion is improved. The heel wedge 18 is in the shape of a wedge and expands towards the end of the heel 26 of the sole 10. The torsion stabilizer 17 is provided in the region of the arch of the foot 23 and can reduce or prevent the twisting of the foot from the forefoot to the heel during a rocking motion. The running sole 19 is disposed beneath the torsion stabilizer 17 and the heel wedge 18. A tread 27 (see also, FIG. 2) is adapted to the natural gait of the human, and follows the S-shaped rocker line. As a result, the first contact with the ground can take place with a slightly supinated heel. Likewise the hardness of the tread and the depth thereof can be adapted to different demands.

FIG. 2 depicts a view of the sole 10 from below. The running sole 19 is subdivided in this case into a tarsal zone 28, a metatarsal zone 29 and a toe zone 30. An inner tarsal zone rand section 31 is designed to be softer here than an outer tarsal zone rand section 32. Moreover, an inner metatarsal zone rand section 33 is designed to be harder than an outer metatarsal zone rand section 34. An inner toe zone rand section 35 is likewise harder than an outer toe zone rand section 36.

Furthermore, a ball line 37 is depicted in FIG. 2, in relation to which a ball rocker 38 is displaced rearwards by a ball rocker spacing 41, defined by the last ball rocker 12 and the midsole ball rocker 22. The ball rocker 38 defined in this manner is displaced in the present example 5 mm rearwards in relation to the ball line 37, towards the end of the heel 26.

The sole comprises a heel bevel 44, wherein a border line 43 lying nearer the forefoot region is displaced at it inner end towards the rear.

The sole 10 can be constructed in terms of building blocks. In particular, a set can be provided from a number of lasts and/or insoles and/or midsoles and/or torsion stabilizers and/or heel wedges and/or running sole. In this manner, all of the components can be adapted individually in terms of hardness, material composition and shape, and as a result can be adapted to different demands and functions. Thus, the field of use for the sole is increased, and important characteristics can be adjusted according to desire.

At this point it should be noted that all of the parts described above are to be taken individually, and in any combination, in particular the details depicted in the drawings, claimed as substantial to the invention. Modifications thereof are familiar to the person skilled in the art. 

1. A sole (10) for a shoe, in particular a running shoe, having a predetermined ball line (37) extending from an inner ball point to an outer ball point, and a ball rocker (38), characterized in that the ball rocker (38) is displaced rearwards towards the end of the heel (26) by an average ball rocker spacing (41) in relation to the ball line (37).
 2. The sole (10) for a shoe, in particular a running shoe according to claim 1, comprising a tarsal zone (28), a metatarsal zone (29) and a toe zone (30), wherein the tarsal zone (28) is designed to be softer, on the average, at an inner tarsal zone rand section (31) than at an outer tarsal zone rand section (32) and/or wherein the metatarsal zone (29) is designed to be harder, on the average, at an inner metatarsal zone rand section (33) than at an outer metatarsal zone rand section (34) and/or wherein the toe zone (30) is designed to be harder, on the average, at an inner toe zone rand section (35) than at an outer toe zone rand section (36).
 3. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball rocker spacing is an average of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, or at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1%, more preferably at least 1.5% of the length of a sole.
 4. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball rocker (38) runs at least in sections along a predetermined diagonal in relation to a longitudinal central axis (40), following in particular, the course of the balls.
 5. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized by an arch (13) in a forefoot region (25) and/or a raised toe vault (14) of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 15 mm.
 6. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized by a midsole (16), in particular made of ethylene vinyl acetate and/or polyurethane, wherein a midsole ball rocker (22) of the midsole (16) is disposed at a predetermined midsole ball rocker spacing behind the ball line (37).
 7. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized by a pronation support (21) in a region of the arch of the foot (23).
 8. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized by at least one forefoot cushioning element (20) within a forefoot region (25) and/or at least one heel cushioning element (18) in a tarsal zone (28) and/or at least one torsion stabilizer (17) in a metatarsal zone (29).
 9. The sole (10) according to claim 1, characterized by a heel bevel (44), wherein one of the border lines (43) of the heel bevel which is lying nearest to the forefoot region, is displaced rearwards at its inner end.
 10. (canceled) 